E 462 
.99 
.S68 
Copy 1 







wm 



111 



mmm 



OF THE 



^oMers' ^ bailors' ^kk €mMm 



ALRIL 17th and 18th, 1866. 



PUBLISHED BY ORDER OP THE CONVENTION. 



NIAGARA FALLS, N. Y.: 
W^ ILHAIVI POOL, FTtlJVTElt 

[NIAGARA PALLS GAZETTE PRINTING B3TABLISHMENT.] 



1866. 








'Mtxs* ^ Sailffrs' State C0n,kntM 



ALRIL 17th and 18th, 1866. 



PUBLISHED BY OEDER OP THE CONVENTION. 



NIAGAEA FALLS, N. Y.: 
"W ItiLIAM: FOOL, TE» H, J. N T IBlJi, 

[NIAGABA FALLS GAZBTTB PRINTINa K3TABLISHJIENT.] 



1866. 



Til 



PROCEJEDINGS. 



I^IE,ST JD^^-^T. 



Tuesday, Aj)ril l7th, 1866^ 

Agreeable to a call made on the l!)th of March 1866, a Conveii.- 
tioii of* Soldiers and Sailors of the Btate .of New York, was held at 
the County Court Rooms, in tlie City of Albany, on the l7th day 
.of April 1,366. 

The CouA^entioH was called to order hy Col. AYm. L. ]3ramhall of 
the* 93d N. Y. V., who, after stating tlie object of the Convention^ 
nominated Col. James B. McKean, of Saratoga, as temijorary Chair- 
man, who was elected. 

On motion, Maj. F. W. Parsons, of Niagara, was elected Secre- 
tary of the meeting. 

Oji motio;i, Dilaior B. Van Brunt, of Schenectady, was appointed 
additional Secretary of the meeting. 

On motion of Capt. James Brice, of Albany, the Chair was em- 
powered to appoint a Committee often, npon credentials, and in orr 
der to enable the Chair to act nnderstandingiy the Secretary was 
directed to receive the credentials of delegates by Counties. 

The Chair designated the following as su.ch Committee : 

Col. George W. AYarren, W. I. Nichols, Geo. T. White, J. C. 
Carmickael, H. S. Morse, T. vS. Crosby, CoL Geo. F. Hopper, 
Maj. Ezra F. Wetmore, Lieut. W. Gilbert, Capt. DeLoss Garey. 

On motion Maj. H.A.Hall, President of the Soldiers' and Sailors' 
Union at AVashington, D. C, was admitted to a scat in this Con- 
vention. 

On motion, Maj. E. Yap Brunt was added to the .Committee on 
credentials, and the Committee retired for consultation. 

During the absence of the Committe, • Col. Wm. L. BramlialJ. 
j-ead the foUowivig letter from Brig. Gen. J. H. Ketchum, M. C, 
which v.'as received with a2)plausc. 

TlIIRTY-XINTH COXGRESS, } 

House of Representatives, "\V^\suixgtox I). C. , AiJiil li, 18GG. ^ 
Col. AVir. L. Bramhall. 

i\Iy Dear Sir: — Your letter, inviting my atieudauce at the Soldiers' and Sail- 
ors' Convention to be held at Albany on Tuesday the 17th inst., is received. 

I believe the object of the Convention will be the discussion of matters pertain- 
ing to the interest of our Citizen Soldiers and Sailors, and the adoption of such 
nieasurte ay will best subserve the same. This movement ho? my siHcere fympal- 



thy and best wishes for its success, and I can but regret that my official duties 
will not permit the acceptance of your kind invitation. 

Very Respectfully, Your Obt. Servant, 

J. H. KETCHUM. 

Also a letter from the Treasurer of the Soldiers' and Sailors' ]Xa- 
tional Union. 

Hon. N. D. Ferguson addressed the Convention till the return 
of the Committee on Credentials, who reported, with request to sit 
again, which request was granted and their report accepted. The 
Committee on Credentials reported the following named delegates 
who were admitted to seats: 
Albany. — A. R. Hitchcock, Capt. James Brice, Col. J. Hastings, 

Surg. C. A. Statts, Capt. J. Barnett, Maj. J. H. TenEyck, Surg. 

A. A. Edmeston, Maj. S. Davidson, Lieut. A. 0. Springer, Col. 

J. Hefferman ; German Veteran CorjDS — ^Lieut. Geo. Krank; Con- 
gressional — Col. G. W. Warren; At large — Col. R. C. Bentley; 

Guilderland — Lieut. Wm. P. Barker; New Scotland — Capt. A. 

Dodds. 
Alleghany. — ^Y. 1. Nichols. 
Broome — Col. M. B. Eldridge. 
Columbia — Capt. Geo. T. White, Geo. Lasher, Adjt. Abram 

Ashley, Maj. R. J. Plato, Capt. F. Butler, Maj. G. M. Becker. 
Cortland — Col. J. C. Carmichael, Surg. H. C. Hendrick. 
Dutchess — Lieut. H. H. Morse, Lieut A. Landon Ostrane, Isaac 

G. Manning, Gen'l A. B. Smith, Lieut. Benj. F. Marfitt, Lieut. 

Wm. Platrom, Lieut. H. S. Borgadus. 
Essex — Surg. Geo. T. Stevens. 
Herkimer — T. S. Crosby. 
Jefferson — Major N. D. Ferguson. 
Kings — Lieutenant John P. Bobbins. 
Livingston — Colonel W. H. Young. 
New York — Col. Wm. L. Bramhall, Col. Geo. F. Hopper, Frank 

J. Bramhall. 
Niagara — Maj. F. W. Parsons, Maj. J. D. Newman. 
Oneida — Maj. Ezra F. Wetmore, Lieut. W. E. Halstcad, Col. 

Northrup. 
Onondaga — Col. Horace H. Walpole, Lieut, W. Gilbert. 
Orange — Col. AVm. B. Deckey. 
Ontario — Capt. H. Shutt. 
OsAVEGO — Capt. DeLoss Garey. 
Otsego — John M. Waterman. 
Putman — Col. Stephen Baker. 
Rensselaer — Maj. LeGrand Benedict, Capt. T. Maxwell, Surg. 

LeRoy NcLean, Maj. Joseph Egolf, Sergt. Ezra Crandell, Capt. 

S. W. Snyder, Asst.Surg. John S. Washburn, Capt. J. A. Cross, 

Capt. Wm. Burk, Col. Joseph Hyde ; delegate at large, Maj. Gen. 

J. B. Carr. 
ScuODACK — Maj. George BushncP 



Saratoga — Col. J. B. McKean, Bvt. Brig. Gen. G. S. Batchelloi 

Lieut. J. H. Clark. 
SciiENKCTADY — Col. A. II. Jackson, Lieut. H. Y. Brandt, Lieut. 

Col. E. YanVostjMaj. W. S. Gridley, Lieut. E. M. Scliermerliorn. 
EoTTERDAM — Lieut. E. Smith. 
pRiNCETOWN — Capt. Charles Roth. 
NiSKAYUNA — Lieut. A. Y. Ketchum. 
Glenvili.e — Sergt. James Reese. 

DuANESBUKG — Lieut. S. Smith; delegate at large, Maj. R.VanBrunt. 
Steuuex — AY. E. Richardson. 
Tompkins — B3ron C. Howard, C. S. Norton. 
Ulster — Bvt. Brig. Genl. J. B. Hardenburg. 
Warren — Capt S. E. Chamberlain. 

Washington — Maj. Henry Gray, Capt. J. S. Smart, Capt. W. H. 
P^Kincaid, Col. Tanner, Bvt. Brig. Genl. James C. Rogers. 
Wayne — Col. A. P. Seely, Maj. A. H. Kemper. 
Montgomery — Capt. Angell Mathewson. 
81 N. Y. v.— Col. J. A. De Forest. 

On motion, a Committee of 10 were appointed by the Chair on 
permanent organization — one for each. Judicial District, and 2 at 
large. 

The Chair appointed the following as such Committee. 

Surg. C. P. Statts, Col. A. H. Jackson, Col. H. H. Walpole, Maj. N. D. 
Ferguson, Col. W. L. Bramhall, Maj. F. W. Parsons, Col. M. B. Eldridge, 
Bvt. Brig. -Genl A. B. Smith. At large, Bvt. Brig.-Geul. James C. Rogers, 
Bvt, Brig. -Genl. J. B. Hardenburg. 

On motion, the following Committee of 7 were appointed by the 
Chair to report a plan for permanent organization and constitution. 

Maj. -Genl. J. B. Carr, Col. Frank J. Bramhall, Maj. W. S. Gridley, Capt. 
S. E. Chamberlain, Col. Geo. W. Warren, Maj. Chas. Tanner, Lieut. Wm. 
Gilbert. 

On motion, the Convention then adjourned to 6 o'clock, P. M. 
Afternoon Session. 

Convention met at 5 o'clock, and was called to order by the Pres- 
ident. 

On motion, all State officers who have served in the Army or 
Navy of the United States, were declared members of this associa- 
tion, and Col. TenEyck and Col Hardenburg, were appointed a 
Committee to notify them of their appointment. 

The Committee on permanent officers of this Convention, then re- 
ported that there be for this Convention one President, 8 Vice 
Presidents, 2 Secretaries, one Treasurer, and one Sergt. -at- Arms, 
and the following named officers were elected. 
For President — Bvt. Maj. -Genl. J. B. Carr. 

YiCE Presidents— Col. J. B. McKean, Col. W. L. Bramhall, Bvt Brig. -Genl 
A. B. Smith, B\^. Brig.-Geul. J. B. Hardenburg, Col. Horace H. Walpole, Col. 
M. B. Eldi-idge, Maj. S. Davis, Bvt. Maj. -Genl. P. H. Jones. 



f*)K{'RETAiaKS — Maj. F. \V. Parsosi?, Maj. R. Yaulirunt. 
Trkasikkji — Col. A. H. Jiuksim. 
i>EK(iT.'-AT-ARMS— ilichael C. <.)"X('il. 

Ob motion of Coi. J. B. McKcan, Cal. Duganne, M'as chosen aij. 
liononiiy member of this association. 

Colonel Frank J. Bramhall on behalf of the Committee on pennu.- 
nent Ovgaiiiz;ition and Constitution, reported the folioy."ing Treanir 
bjie and Constitution. 

AVhich after disc.:issi<jij, several .•\meadmei?.ts Ayerc carried, and the 
Constitution as amended >vas adopted. 

On motion, a Committee of five Arere appointed to draft resolu-- 
t.ions expressive of the sense of this Convention, and Genl. J. C, 
Rogers, Genl. A. J^. Smith, Col. M. B. Eldridge, Col, John Hastings 
•and Col. "Win. L. Bramhall, were appointed such Committee. 

On^motiou, the follon'ing Committee of five were appointed to 
prepare an address to the soldiers and sailors of the State. Capt. 
James Bric^, Col. J. C. Carmichael, Col. Duganne, Col. A. H. Jack- 
son, Maj. Le Grand Bene/lict. 

The Convention then proceeded to ballot for officers of the State 
Union to hold office for one 3'ear, and elected foj" 

President— Bvt. Maj.-GCTiil. Joseph B. Carr. 

Vice Presidexts — Col. James B. McKean, Col. Win. L. Braniliail, Bvt. Brip.- 

(jleul.A. B. Smith, i5vt. Bria-.-Coiil. J. B, Har(le!il)ur<!\ Col. lloracolT. AValpolr, 

C!ol. M. B. Eldridge, Bvt. JJrig.-Coul. X. M. Cram>, Bvt. Maj.-({en]. P. J1, 

J ones. 

Bkcorpixg .S.Ef'RET.VRY — Maj. F. W. Parsons, Niagara Falls. 

CoRRESPo.MiiNij Seckktary — Surg. A. A. ]']dniestou, Albany. 

Trkasurek-^CoI. a. B. Jackson, Schenectady. 

Sek<;t.-at-Ar.m.s — David L. Stage^ 

On motion, each delegate was required to pay into the treasury, 
the sum of one dollar towards defraying the expenses of the Con- 
vention, also handing in their Post Office address. 

The Chair now aunounccd as the Kxecutive Committee for the 
3'ear 

Col. George F. Hopper, Col. G. Parker. Maj. Joseph Ego] f, Bvt. Brig. -Gen). 
James C. Rogers, Col. Gustavus Snipi'i-, ('ol. Yanvoorliees, Bvt. Brig. -Genl. X. 
M. Crane, Maj. J. 1). X'e.wniau. 

Col. Frank J. Bramhall introduced a resolution approving and 
endorsing tlie Bill now before Congress to increase the pay of the 
United States Xavy. 

Referred to Comanittee on rcsolutians. 

Capt. A. Matliewson introduced a resolution. That in case the 
Government of the United .States reimburse the State for War 
expenditures, that the State should equalize the State bounties on 
the plan that Congress has proposed to equalize the . GoveruraenJ 
bounties. Referred to Com. on resolutions. 



The Convention then adjourned to inett at the City Hall, to-mor-' 
i-ow, Wednesday the 18th, at 10 o'clock A. M. 

J/E. CAKR, Bvt. Maj.-Gcnl U. S. Y., President: 
Majf F. Wi ParsonSj Sccrctpay. 



AYednesday, April 18th, 1S66. 
MoKxiK(; Session. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment, at 10 o'clock, and 
Jifter being called to order b}- tiie President, the Minutes of the lasi 
meeting y^^ere read and approved. 

The Committee on address now reported the following: 

address: 

Comi-actos aiid Votorans of the State of Xew York — We adilross you on liehalf 
cif the Soldiers' and Sailors' State iriiion.aiid proscutyou with a report of tlie resolu-- 
tions and proceedings of that body, at its late session iu the city of Albany. To 
tliese resohitions we ask your eai-nest attention. 

The Soldiers' and Sailors' National Union is no political organization, and ap- 
peals to no partisan sentiment for support. Its origin Avas the national peril, its 
history the defence of our Union, and its membership is open to every man, who 
has faithfully served the Republic on land and sea. It is a Union of citizens 
in Peace, who were comrades in AYar. It is the fraternal muster-in of those who 
stood shoulder to shoulder against the enemies of their country. 

But tiie Soldiers' Xational Union is more than a pleasant association of vete-^ 
rans to prolong their military connection. It is recognized that their combina- 
tion is for mutual couhdeuce and nuitual help. AVbile Soldiers and Sailors iu 
union perpetuate the patriotism which led them to battle, it is deemed fit- 
ting that they should remind one another of certain obligations of gratitude im- 
posed through their service upon the Nation at large. Debts have been incurred 
r)y the Republic which cannot be cancelled by triumphal receptions, votes of 
thanks, or military promotions, dear and grateful to the veterans as such tokens 
may be. The heroes of our struggle cannot all be rewarded or distinguished, but 
they may at least, be rescued from neglect and forgetfulness. The armless sleeve, 
the wooden leg, the mutilation, tile scar, the broken constitution, appeal to sense 
and heart j^^in every walk of civil life. Shattered i-emnants of field and staff, of 
rank and file are alt around us. We seek to gather them in line again, that the 
arms and voices of comrades msiy uphold and cheer them on their march to the 
gi-ave. 

It has been asserted that "Republics are ungrateful," but the charge must hot 
be against our government and nation. It is the duty of soldiers to stand by sold-- 
iers in a respectful advancement of aU just claims; and to ask, as a body, from 
Congi-ess and the people, a proper consideration of those claims. 

The equalization of bounties, the preference of soldiers and sailors who have 
served in the defence of the Union, to all appointments, employment and labor 
under control of government, and a permanent 2>ro vision for those of our number 
who are disabled by reason of service, are measures which appeal to the honor, 
the humanity and the justice of our countrymen. 

We associate, therefore, in order that our efforts and influence, combined by 
union, may result in strength. We call upon the veterans of our Army and Navy 
to fall into line with us. \^'e ask the soldiers and sailors of every county, towu 
and neighborhood, iu the State, to take immediate steps to form local Unions in 
Pon-espondence vdih. the State and National Union bodies. Comrades! Brothei-s 



8 

in armsl M us rcnow our plcdgfis of devotion to each other and to our native land. 
Let us re-form the cohuuns of military confidence and support. Let us keej) aiive the 
brave memories of camp and field, and in the Soldiers' and Sailors' Union that we 
cherish, let us maintain still more and serve the People's L^nion, which we defend- 
ed and ])reserveiL 

Col. J. P>. McKean, of Saratoga Co., in an able speech advocated 
the adoption of the address. After some debate, participated in by 
Capt. Garej, Lieut. Gilbert, Capt. Brice, Col. Wm. L. Bramhall and 
others, the address was adopted. 

, Capt. DeLoss Garey introduced the following, which on motion, 
was laid on the table. 

Resolved, That this State Convention are not to be considered as 
. endorsing or approving of the resolutions ofi'ered or passed by 
the National Union at Washington, D. C. , except as far as the same 
have been expressly endorsed by this Convention. 

Lieut. A. O. Springer introduced the following which on motion 
was adopted. 

Resclmd, That the thanks of this Convention, be, and are here- 
by tendered to the heads of Departments of the General and State 
Governments, who, in distributing the patronage under their con- 
trol, have given to honorably discharged Soldiers and Sailors the 
preference over those who have not so served during the late rebel- 
lion. 

On motion of Col. Frank J. Bi'amhall, a Committee of five of which 
the President was Chairman, ex-officio, was appointed to report By- 
Laws for the Government of this Union. 

The President named as such Committee, Col. Frank J. Bram- 
hall, Genl. James C. Kogers, Lieut. W. Gilbert, Col. John Hastings. 

Col. J. B. McKean introduced the following, which was adopted. 

Resolved, That the thanks of the Convention are hereby tendered to the Presi- 
dent for his order, and to Congress for their joint resolution in favor of giving 
their preference in the distribution of patronage and in jiromotion to civil office, 
to honorably discharged and deservmg soldiers and sailors. 

Col. Wm. L. Bramhall moved that the following be added. 

Resolved, That in order, that the Prcisident's order and the joint resolutions of 
Congress before referred to, may be put into practical operation, and enforce- 
ment — we deem it our duty and province to be vigilant, that no worthy applicant 
who is an honorably discharged soldier or sailor shall be denied the benefits pre- 
scribed by the aforesaid order and resolutions. 

Col. Frank J. Bramhall offered the following which was adopted. 

Moved, that the Executive Committee, be instructed to appoint a sub-commit- 
tee, to be known as the Memorial Committee to confer and co-operate with the 
Commissioners of the Hall of Military Record, of the State of New York, in re- 
gard to the erection of a suitable monument, tablet, or other memorial, of our 
brother soldiers and sailors, of the Anny and Navy of the United States, who 
have fallen in the late War in suppression of the great Rebellion, now happily clos- 
fd. 

• Col. G. F. Hopper offered an amendment to Sec. 1st, of Article 
5th of the Constitution, which was adopted. 



On motion, tlie Convention adjourned to 3 o'clock, P. M. 

AFXEINOON SESSION. 

3 o'clock, p. M. 

The convention met pursuant to adjournment and was called to 
order by the President. 

Col. Frajik J. Bramhall, from the Committee on By-Laws, report- 
-ed B3'-Laws to the Constitution, which, after amendment, were 
adopted, and recomended the amendment of the Constitution by 
the insertion of Sec. 4, Article V, which was also adopted. 

By Maj. F. W. Parsons : 

Resolved, That this Sta^« Unicm eoopei'ate with the Bureau of Military Rec- 
ord in the collection of statistics, records, aud relics of the State's history in the 
late war. Adopted. 

By Maj. Le Grand Benedict; 

Resolved, That iji the Grgahization of Subordinate Uriious, throughout the 
State, we suggi^st the propriety of their appointing or providing for Relief Commit- 
tees, to aid and assist destitute and disabled soldiers and sailors, their families, 
widows, and orphans. Adopted- 

Moved, That a Committee of three be appointed, to lay before the present Leg- 
islature, the claiuas of soldiers who enlisted in 1861 and received no State bounty, 
or only a partial one. Adopted, and the Chair appointed Gen. Batchellor, CoL 
Warren, and Capt. Brice, as such Committee. 

By 'Capt. S. E. Chamberlain; 

Resolved, That all Conventions of the State Union shajl be composed of not 
more than three delegates from each Subordinate Union. No organization will 
be granted a charter under any other name than a Soldiers' and Sailors' Bubordi- 
/late Union. Adopted. 

By Lieut. W. Gilbert; 

Resolved, That each Subordinate Union, be requested to prepare a record of 
the men killed in action who enlisted from the territory over which such Union 
has jurisdiction. Said records shall contain the names, deaths, and places of 
death, and the military organization to which the deceased belonged and any inci- 
dents connected with their service or death deemed worthy of record and preser- 
vation. Adopted. 

By Col. J. Hastings; 

Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention, ba, and are herby tendered to 
Major General Carr, President of this Union, for the impartial manner in which 
he has presided over the deliberations of this Convention. Carried 

By Lieut. W. Gilbert; 

Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention, be, and are hereby tendered to 
Maj. Parsons, Recording Secretary of this Union, for the able and efficient man- 
ner in which he has discharged the duties of his office. Adopted. 

By Col. F. J. Bramhall; 

Resolved, That we fully concur in the often repeated declaration of the Presi- 
d ut of the United States that ' ' treason is a crime and should be punished" and 
we have been waiting most patiently for a practicable api^lication of the principle 
to the leaders of the late Rebellion. 



By Gol. H. H. Walpolc; 
Kesolvcd, That the niembers of the Sohliers' and Sailors' Union of the State of Xe\y 
York, exort every effort to procure an anieudnient of the Constitution of tliis State, 
disfninchisinf]^ deserters from the army and navy of tht^ United States, and that iu 
addition to this disgrace, that they be forever incapacitated from holding title to 
real-estate, and that their evidence as witnesses in our courts hfi declared inadmi^i- 
sable, thus makiijig o^utla^ys of ^h,e base individuals who deserted their Country iu 
^he l^oifr f(^ iis greji^test neet} after haying assumed the sacred obligations of its ,tJo 
feuderg. Adopted.' 

By Col. Wm' L. Brai^ball; 

Resolved, That the Executive Committee, be, and are hereby instructed to 
number the Charters of Subordinate Unions in the order in which they are issued, 
and that Subordinate Unions shall be known by the number of their charter^i. 
Adopted. 

By Col. Geo. W. Warren; 

Resolved, 'J'hat the thanks of this, Convention are due, an.d arc h^-reby tender: 
ed, to Col. James B. McTtean, the presiding officer of this t'ony(Mition during i(3 
lemporaiy organization^ for the very able and impartial nianqpr in which he dis:^ 
charged the duties which' devolved upon him. ' Aclopted!' 

On motion of Co^. McKean, the following delegate? wejre electe^ 
to attend the National Convention, and, on motion of Maj. F. Vf, 
Parsons, the delegates were granted the powej" ofsnbstitntiou. 

ALTEBNATKS, 





DKLEGATES. 


1st DisL 




2d, " 




M " 




4th " 


Coi. George F. Hopppr 


.^th " 




r)th " 




7th " 




Hth '.' 




yth " 


Col. Wm. U Bfamhall 


loth " 




11th " 




i2th " 


Capt. Ceo. T. White 


i.'Jth " 


l{rig.-(;eiri .1. B. Hardeuburg 


14th " 


Col. Jcdin Hastings 


l.Mh " 


Maj. Kisselburg 


lOth " 


Capt. S. K. Chaml)«rlaiu 


ITth " 




18th " 




I'.Hh " 




mh " 




2}A " 


Capt. De ViOss (Jary 


22d " 




2:{d " 


CmI. n. H. Walpolo 


24th " 




2">th " 




'>r,tli " 


Maj. .John lligginq 


iiTth " 





ppl. F. J. Brambali 

>raj. IJ. J. Palen 
Col. Theo. B. Gates 

ISfaj. Le (^raud Benalict 
T.t.-Col. K.] YanVor^ 
Lt. W. Gilbert 



11 

28th' " . . - ,. 
29th " Miij. F. AV. Parsons 
mtii '■' 
31st " ... 

At Large— -BVt Maj.-Geu'l Joseph B; Carr, Col. James B. McKean. 

OH riiotio'n' of Col. Wm. L. Bramhall, members of organizatior's 
rrho are represented in this Convention were con'sidered as con- 
structively^ memTjCi's Of this State Union. Adopted. 

The following Preamble and Resolutions were otTered by Coh 
Wm. L. Bramhall, and adopted. 

That "Whereas, The soldiers and sailors of the Couutty, are iudehted to the faith- 
ful and indefatigal)le eH'orts of Lfeut. Wni. S; Morse, of Port Chester, AVestches- 
ter Co., X. Y., for his able efforts in clearly presenting to Congress their inter- 
ests in the subjects of bounties, and pensions, therefore be it 

Resolved, 'J'hat the thiuiks of this Couventiou are eminently due, and are here- 
by tendered to Lieut. AYilliam S. Morse, for his veiy able letter to Congress, .e.^- 
hibiting the' statiHtiral evidence of the cost to equalize" the' bounties of the soldiei-s 
n'nd sailors who served' during the lute war for the Union, and for his imlefatigable 
efforts in securing the intro"d\iction of a bill be'fore that body, which will insure in 
its enactment a just equalization of the bounties of all soldiers and suitors who 
rendered service, during the late war. , . . . , 

Rx3solved, That we b'greljy e.vpYfess qiir gratitude iiV recognition of the valuable 
services he has r6n<%rei> iff ohr behalf, and that he is hereby duly elected an hon- 
orarj- lucmber of the " New York Soldiers' and Sailors' State Culon."' 

Resolved, That the Secretary of this Conveution^-be requested to forward a copy 
of these resolutions to Lieut. AY. S. Morse. 

On motion offered by Col. McKean, the Secretaries were empowered to print 
iS\)0' copies of the proceedings of this Convention, and' also' to procure ft' book of 
Records for the use of the State' Unioii. 

A mbtioh of Col. AYm. L: Bramhall was acTopted, that the ]'3'S:ecutive' Coi^mit- 
tee Ije ii\structed to report a plan for a soldiers' and sailors" home, at th'6 u'e.xt meet- 
ing of this UnioVr.- 

Maj. AY. 8. Gridle}' submitted the following which was adopted: 

?fpsolve''l'. That the address and resolutions reported by the ConlYiiittee and pass- 
ed by the Convention, bt^ pulilished in the State papers that will publish the sam«i 
without cost to th(,' Convention. 

Resolved, That the President of the' UiHted States, the Sen'uto'r and each Mem- 
ber/jf Congress from this State, l)e furnished with a copy of the proceedings of thi:} 
Convention. A'(!t^l'»ted 

Moved we udjouru sine die. Carried'.' 

The Convention then adjoui-ncd. 

IMaj.-Gcn. J. B, CAPvR, Fa-sidcnt. 
Maj. F. AV. Parsons, Secretary. 



12 

Officers of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Union of the State of New 
York : 

pREsiPENT — Bvt. Maj.-Geul. J. B. Carr. 

Tick Presidents — Col. J. B. McKean, Col. AV. L. Bramhiill, Bvt. Biifr.-Ccnl. 
A. B. Smith, Bvt. Brig.-Gt'nl.J. B. Ilardeubur*!:, Col. Horace II. Walpole, CoL 
M. B. Eldridge, Geu. N. M. Crane, B\± Maj.-Geul. F. H. Jouce. 
Recordinu Secretary— Maj. F. W. Farsons. 
CoRRESPOXDi^rG SECRETARY — Sul'g.- A. A. Edmestoii.- 
Treasurer — Col. A. H. Jackson. 
Sergeant-at-Arms — David L. Sta^re. 

Executive Committee — Col. Geo. F. Hopper, Col. G. Parker, Major Josopl'« 
Egolf, Bvt. Brig.-Genl. J. C- Rogprs, Coi. Gustavivs Sniper, Lieut. Col. Vau 
Voorhees, Bvt. Brig-.-Genl. N, M. Crane, Miy. J. D. Newman. 
Finance Committee — Col. A. 11. Jacksoii, Col. John' Hastings,. CoL G. W, 
Wan-en. 



CONSTITUTION AND BY LAWS OF THE STATE UNION 

OF THE SOLDIERS AND SAILORS OF THE 

STATE OF NEW YORK. 

preamble; 

Whereas, after years of bloody strife, without a parallel in liistory, the (Jovern- 
ment of the United States — whose life and existence were threatened l)y wicked, 
defiant, and armed rebellion^ — has been fully sustained, its enemies overcome, and 
its unity forever established; and 

AVhi'rcas, it is eminently proper that the survivors of those who stood together 
in the bloody conflict, should perpetuate the friendships created by common suS'ei- 
ing, trials, and sacrifices, to aid ami protect, l)y harmonious co-operation with 
each other, to demand aud procure the proper recognition of the claims of those 
who saved the life of the nation — to secure just relief for our unfortunate com- 
rades in arms — and to co-oj)erate with the Bun^au of Military llecord in the col- 
lection and preservation of the records of our brother soldiers and sailors from this 
State; 

Now, thei-cfore, to perfect a harmonious union among all who have honorably 
.served in the aruiies and navies of the United States from the State of New York, 
Ave do hereby adoj)t the following 

coisrsxiTXJTioisr, 

Artici-e I Name. 

The name of this organization shalT be " The Soldiers' and Sailors' Union of 
THE State ok New York" 

Article H OKiTCEns. 

§ 1. The ofTicers of this State Union shall consist of one Pivsidcnt, eight 
Vice FieMdcuti, (oue from each judicial di-trict), one Recording Secretary, oue 
Corre-pouding Secretary, cue Treasurer, aud oue Scrgeaut-at-Army. 



13 

I 2. The above uamoil officers shall be elected at the annual Convention of 
the State Union, a majority of all votes cast being necessary to secure a choice; 
said voting to be by ballot 

§ 3. The officers elect shall l)e installed at the meeting at which they are 
elected, and the installation be before and by the retiring presiding officer. 
Article III Dutiks and Qualifications of Officers. 

I 1. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the 
State Union, maintain order, enforce the rules, and pertbrm such other duties as 
the State Union may reciuire of him. 

§ 2. It shall be the duty of the Vice Presidents to aid the President in 
maintaining order and enforcing the rules, and in his absence, the senior Vice 
President, present, to act as President. 

§ 3. It shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary to kee]i a record of the 
proceedings of the Union, attest his signature to all records of its action, to all 
bills drawn upon the Treasurer and approved by the President; and jx-rfoini such 
other duties as may from time to time be required of him in the nature of his office. 

^ 4. It shall be the duty of the Corresponding Secretary to conduct all corres- 
pondence of the Union, attend to the printing, prepare charters for Subordinate Un- 
ions, and perform such other duties as may be required of him in the natui-e of his 
office. 

§ 5. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive all moneys of the State 
Union, pay out of the same all bills drawn on him attested by the Recording Sec- 
retary and appro\cd by the I* resident; he shall also render a cpiarterly account of 
the finances of the Union to the Executive Committee, and make a report to the 
regular Annual Convention of the State Union; and before entering upon the du- 
ties of his office he shall execute a bond in the sum of two thousand dollars, ($2,- 
000), with two responsi))le sureties, to be approved by the Executive Committee; 
at the expiration of his term of office he shall deliver up to his regularly elected 
successor all moneys, books, and papers of the Union in his possession. 

§ C. The Corresponding Secretary shall, during his continuance in office, have 
his business office in the city of Albany. 

§ 7. Every officer before enteriug upon the duties of his office shall take and 
subscribe, in a book to be kept by the Recording Secretary for that purpose, the 
following obligation: 

" I, , do solemnly promise, in the presence of these witnesses, that 

I will faithfully protect, maintain and support the Constitution of the Soldiers' and 
Sailors' National and State Unions and all laws made in pursuance thereof, and 

that I will faithfully perform the duties of of this State Union, to the 

best of my ability." 

Article IV — Membership. 

All soldiers and sailors who have honojably served in the suppression of the 
late rebellion, are hereby eligible to membership of any Subordinate Union char- 
tered by this State Union. 

Article V — Committees. 

? 1. The Standing Committees of this State Union shall be an Executiveand 
a Finance Committee, to be appointed annually by the President of the State 
Union. The Executive Committee shall consist of one member from each Judic- 
ial District, of which Committee the President, and the Vice Presidents, the two 
Secretaries, and the Treasurer, members ex-officio, in addition to the other mem- 
bers. This Committee shall have power to elect thcii' own Chairmau and Secre- 
taiy, and sevcu membci-s shall constitute a quorum. 



u 

^ ^. It sliuU bo tho duty of this Committee to proparc bn?itioss for tlio rosppot- 
ITP Coivvcntions, {^niut rliartcrs to .Suliordiiiate Unions,- supervise the business of 
the State Union, and make such sutrj^estions for the proper goVermhent of this 
Union' lis from time to time shall se<'m proj)er.- 

? 3. The Executive t'omimttC'^ shall i^lsa'athvp^ an' appropriate S(^al for this 
State Union. 

§ 4. The Finance Committee shall consist of three members of which the 
'I'reasm'er shall' 1m%- ex-ofTicio, a memlx^l-. Tlie duties of the^ Finance (''ommittee. 
shall l)e to exercise a geiKM-al superMsion over the tinauces ()f the Slate Union and 
to recomini"'nd to the Union from time to time such financial measures as may bd 
deemed proper. 

AiVnci.K Yl. Co.NVK.n'tIONS a'xI) IlKPRkpl'-XfATUiN''.- 

5 1. There shall lie at least oi^' anmial convention of the State Union, at such 
^ime and place as .shali he n«ed by the llxecutive Committee, of which tiiue and 
place each Subordinate Union siiall hare due imtace, which ueitice shall be pub" 
likhed in the jiaper's of the Stale. 

^ 2. All Conventions of the State I'nion shall l)e composed of three delegates' 
from each Subordinate Union. 

Aktici.e YII. — Sii!iini)iXATK Unions. 

? 1. Tlie Executive Committee shall have j)ower to grant charters to Subor- 
dinate I'nlons on the application <>f ten ])crsons who may b<> ""ntilled to Miak.esnch 
application. 'I'hv chiM i?er fees for saitl Suboldinat*' ^"ii.i.')iis shall b4 five dollar,^.- 

? "2. Keports shhH in^ made iiuarterly to the lit'cArdiiig Secretary of the State 
Union attested by the sipfnatwes of the President and llecording Secretary uf the 
Sul)ordinate Unioiv.- 

Artici.k THJ.-^^v-Laws. 

I'he StattJ Fnion siiall hiffe poCfei' t<) adopt By-Laws at any of its Convention?. 
A ^I'i'cLi-f I'X. — Amknd.m knts. 

This Constitutioirmay from' time to time be amended by a vote of two-thirds or 
llio Convention. 

Art. 1, DukA 

yT U The Annual Dues of each Subordimite Union to tm^ State Union shall 
^p four dollars, payable upon'fKe presentationof the credentials of its (lelegat<». 

? 2. No del(?gate from' a Subordinate Union whoSe dues are unpaid; shall bo 
admitted to a seat in the State Union. 

Art. 2. RKrouTs. 

? 1. Reports from Subordinate Unions ."shall be mfide ciuarterly, on the 1st of 
January, April, Jidy and October of eivch year, and shall contain the names and 
n<ldresses of its oflicers, the whole number of members, the timi' and place of meeti- 
ing, and such other information us may from time to time be required by the Sec- 
retary of the State Union. 



u 



|F?esoIutlons of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Unipi? of .th.e SieJte of 

New York,. 

The following resplutioAS weue adoijted at the latp ro,nventioii,of,tie .Soldiers' 
>and Sailors' Union of the Stal^ o/" ]!\e,\v York, at Albany, on the IJtjji of April, 
1866. 

AVhereas, This Convention ha8 boon Ciillod for the purpose* of forming a Sold- 
iers' and Sailors' State :Uni^n, by which the citizen soldiers iind sailors of the State 
of New York lately engaged in the defence of the Union may, l)y a nnited and or- 
ganized effort, promote certain laudable objects and secure certain rights :to which 
they believe they are justly entitled; therefore. 

Resolved, That we earnestly recommend to the sokhers and sailois ;throughoiit 
the State to organize subordinate Unions in each .town and ;yvar(J iUf|0,u the plan 
adopted and pr/opoi^ed by this Union. 

Resolved, That this Ujiion taaruesily urg^es upon the Congi-ess ;Of ;tj\e United 
States the propriety of providing by law that every enlisted soldier and sailor, who 
has served in the Army or Navy of the United States at any time during the late 
rebellion, and who has not received an amount of bounty equal to one hundred 
dollars for each year of service actually ren4eued, shall l),e paid an amount of boun- 
ty or premium which, together with ,th<J bounty aluea^^- pa^d ^o such soldier or 
sajlor, shall araoui\t to one laundrod dollars for each year of service actua,I,ly render- 
ed, and in like proportion for^ac^ copiplete month of service actually rendered; 
provided, howeverj that no soldier or sailor who shall have at any time deserted 
il^e service, or who shall have l)f en a prisoner of war at the time of his enlistn>ent, 
shall receive any additi9ual bounty; and provided, further, that in the payment of 
such l)o,unties to sailors the an^ount of pri;5e jjjoueys reqeiyed pr found du^e shall be 
.deducted from said bounty. 

Resolv.edj Tl^^t we heartily pi^dorse thfi " House Bill" for equalizaiiwi ,oif .boun- 
ties, known as Julion's bill, as embody jng the v^ews of this Union. 

Resolved, That the pension of soldiers aiiid sailoi'S who have bepn wholly .dis- 
abled in the service of the United States /^uring the i;e(V3nt rebplljpp, .oug)i^' ,t,o be 
increased to twjenty-four (24) dollars per jnouth, and in prpnor^i) ^br sii^y partial 
.disability; and we endorse the "Hou.se Pension Bill"' as a step in tho ri^^jt (direc- 
tion. 

Resolved, That it is the desir.e of this Convention that if any^\f tli^ lienefit.s a.sk- 
^d for shouifj be conferre.d by .Cpngress, no d.isti;i,c^iop ;^-ill lie'inad^i l3it;t^ve,eu sold- 
iei-s on acA^jint of color, 

Resolyed, That v'e believ.e it to be the dvity of Congress, heads of dj(j^)ar;tfn,ents, 
and all ,othf.'rs djspejisii)^ tl?,e patronage of the State or general Goviernm,ent, to 
.discriijjjna,^' in favor ofconipotont disabled soldiers; and we are sprry to say Jhat 
we see bujt little disposition upon the part of those in power l;i provide for this 
nieritoriou^j class of our cqmriL'iLes. 

Rosolv.ed, That w/t warn the soldiers of tljje /Country, our late companions jp 
iirms, against speculators );) discharges, a_n/I ,;\l)ort them to preserve, as precious 
testimonials, the evidenc/i which tlie (j!ovprpm,ont has given them of their Jj.onjora- 
Jjle service. 

ResolvtHl, That this Convention r.espectfully requesf Congress to protect tho 
honorably di.scharged soldiers of the country agaijist traffic in their discharges, by 
imposing penalties on all who buy or offer to buy a soldjer's discharge; and to pre- 
vent, by proper legislation, any one rcceiyjug the bpupfite ^vjiich may be given Jq 



IG 

lilt' (li.s(hnri,aHl solJior l)y Congress, except the soldier lilmself or K\a personal rep- 
r 'sontatives. 

Resolved, That should Congress deteimine to retain in service as a part of the 
RfiTular Army rejrinients of the Veteran Reserve Corps, enlisted men and officers 
who hiive been disabled in the line of duty should i)e e([ually eligible to positions 
in said corps, and entitled to the same rights and privileges whether now members 
of said corps or honorably discharged from the late Volunteer Army. 

Resolved, That in the event, as before stated, this Union will use its best en- 
deavors to secure for honorably disabled officers and enlisted men, such appoint- 
ments and positions. 

JOSEPH B. CARR, President, 

(Troy, K y.) 
F. W. PARSOXR, SecK^tary, 

(Niagara Falls, N/ Y.) 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 


















012 196 794 7 ^ 



